"If a mage is willing to agree, we would certainly welcome them. We are willing to pay 2 silver lun coins a day, with three meals included, and the best tent in the wilderness. Detective Sir, do you know any mage friends?" the middle-aged physician asked curiously.
Durin's left hand instantly conjured a rapidly spinning fireball, its crimson glow illuminating Durin's face. He said in a deep voice, "Do you think I'm suitable? Besides that, I also know some sword fighting and have seen blood."
"Ah!"
The surrounding herbalists scattered, their gazes filled with respect and fear when they looked at Durin again. Perhaps before, they were intimidated by his identity; now, they were genuinely afraid of Durin's mage power.
Especially since he was both a detective-level Enforcer and a mage, this dual identity was enough for him to walk unhindered in Piltover.
"This…" The middle-aged physician's mind spun for a moment, but he noticed Durin's change in expression and subconsciously said, "Of course, no problem! With your participation, I think all the herbalists will no longer have to worry. Tomorrow's herb collection will proceed as planned."
"Good."
Durin smiled and nodded, saying no more.
"By the way, may I ask the Detective's surname?"
"Mu Tu Lin, just call me Durin," Durin replied.
"Please remember to bring animal traps tomorrow," the middle-aged physician reminded him.
"Animal traps?"
Durin looked up, somewhat puzzled.
The middle-aged physician explained, "When we go out of the city to collect herbs, we will definitely set up some traps around the destination to prevent those wolf pups from ambushing us without our knowledge. And… isn't that much safer than fighting those beasts head-on?"
Durin nodded thoughtfully, agreeing with what the other party said.
"We will meet here at nine o'clock tomorrow morning," the middle-aged physician said humbly.
After Durin indicated his understanding, he left Fuer Street. He thought about the things he needed to prepare for tomorrow, such as: markers and diagrams to help him find herbs, which were the most important.
Also, some measures for unexpected situations: linen rope, boots, a thick coat, a personal water bottle, emergency dry rations, and animal traps.
No matter how hot the weather, walking in a forest infested with poisonous insects requires a thick coat and boots.
So, Durin needed a brand new hiking backpack.
To buy these things, Durin spent a lot of money, buying seven days' worth of dry rations. In total, he spent 7 silver lun coins and 50 copper circle coins.
After returning home, Durin took a shower and then lay in bed, going to sleep early.
For the next two days, he also rested at home as usual, getting enough sleep to prepare for the herb collection trip out of the city.
This was also the first time he had left Piltover and Zaun, the two cities, to go to the outside world of Valoran, after half a year since his transmigration.
Durin couldn't help but feel a little excited. He repeatedly organized his luggage for the trip, making sure he didn't miss anything.
For example: the enchanted shield and enchanted scimitar, the Hextech pistol stored in his storage ring, the ox-ear pointed dagger he always carried for self-defense in his boots, and the instrument bag containing the Darkin Harp was also stuffed into the hiking backpack.
…
Finally, the day arrived for the herb-gathering team to leave the city and enter the mountains. Durin woke up early, and the morning air was exceptionally fresh. He took a deep breath, expelling the fatigue of waking early.
When he arrived at Fuer Street, the street was empty, with only a few merchants preparing to depart; it seemed the workers hadn't woken up yet.
People were in small groups, with only a few individuals fully armed. Those wearing linen robes with bamboo baskets on their backs were likely the herbalists, while the fully armed individuals, each with a bandit-like demeanor, were probably mercenaries. Only some individuals with technological modifications looked like specialized retainers cultivated by the Capek Family, accompanying them.
Clearly, there were many people in the herb-gathering team.
In fact, the Capek Family was just one of the smaller families that specialized in organizing herb-gathering teams. Medicinal ingredient production areas that specialized in rare plants were monitored by medium or large families for long periods, just waiting for a plant to grow so they could harvest it as quickly as possible. Naturally, competition and Snatch by various means were indispensable during this process.
If they couldn't harvest it, they would basically have to buy it with money.
Seeing Durin approach, a man in his twenties walked over, pulled out a cigarette from his pocket, and handed it to Durin, saying with a smile, "My uncle told me; I didn't expect a mage to be willing to join. My name is Captain Xisai, please take care of me for the next few days."
After the man finished speaking, he went to attend to his own business.
After about a few minutes, everyone was assembled and ready to depart.
Their destination was a forested area at the foot of the Varju Mountains, specifically, about 5 miles outside the city. Due to its flat and vast terrain, Piltover residents also liked to call it the Northern Plains.
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